UNITED STATES ARMY, EUROPE

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UNITED STATES ARMY, EUROPE RAILHEAD OPERATIONS
TRAINING VERIFICATION PROGRAM
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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING
Purpose To ensure leaders, who are planning or
conducting rail operations in
USAREUR have personnel trained to safely
execute the required tasks
for a swift and safe rail movement.
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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING

• Objective Through a self-paced
• program of instruction,
• Ensure junior leaders have the knowledge and the
  understanding
• of what resources are necessary to
• safely plan, rehearse, execute and
  conclude railhead operations.
• 2) Provide key personnel the resources
  (checklists) to observe, assist and
• verify critical requirements have
• been met toward conducting a safe railhead
  operation.
• Assist the commander, in developing
• a local Railhead Operations Training
  Program.

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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING

• References
• USAREUR Regulation 55-26, Movement Planning
• AE Pamphlet 385-15, Leaders Operational Accident
  Prevention Guide
• AE Pamphlet 385-15-2, Commanders Rail-Loading
• Checklist and Risk Assessment
• USAREUR Regulation 385-55
• Field Manual (FM) 21-60, Visual Signals
• VHS Video tape A0954-88-0003 Procedures for
  loading a European railcar.

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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING

• Definitions
• Branch Movement Control Team (BMCT) Local U.S.
  Army transportation representative (Railmaster)
  present. Serves as primary liaison for Army/
  civilian rail operations.
• Railhead Commander/OIC SFC or above, with
  prior USAREUR railhead operation experience in
  charge of rail operations and safety team at the
  railhead.
• Railhead Safety Officer SSG or above
  subordinate to the railhead commander.
•  Train Commander SFC or above, with previous
  USAREUR rail operation experience. He is the POC
  for the BMCT.
•  Train Safety Officer SGT or above, subordinate
  to the train commander serves as the second
  member of the rail safety team (subordinate to
  the railhead safety team officer) at the
  railhead.
•  Auricular Supervisor Senior vehicle operator
  of vehicles being loaded on one equipment
  railcar, or senior NCO on a passenger car.
•  Railhead Safety Team Comprised of railhead
  safety officer and the train safety NCO for the
  moving unit.

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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING
History Rail is often the preferred mode of
transport because it is less expensive and faster
than other means for moving large
forces. General Omar Bradley 1959
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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING
Past Lessons Learned
This is an excerpt from a Desert Storm/Desert
Shield brigade AAR
TITLE Preparation for Movement - Rail Loading
Training LESSON LEARNED Units need better rail
loading training before deployment. BACKGROUND
Lack of training and unfamiliarity with
responsibilities caused delays in the early
stages of equipment rail deployment. The first
unit to rail load within the command took a
significant amount of time to properly load and
tie down equipment on rail cars. There was
obvious confusion over standards and
responsibility for securing equipment. Both the
rail loading team and the unit shared confusion
over respective responsibilities. It took over 15
hours to load the first train. As more trains
were loaded, soldiers and load teams became
familiar with requirements and loading was
accomplished much quicker. The expertise gained
from this exercise will rapidly be lost as
experienced soldiers depart. RECOMMENDATION
Require rail loading training at least annually
for deployable units. Training should be
coordinated with the local Movement Control Teams
and include the rail loading teams.
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RAILHEAD OPERATIONS TRAINING
This Presentation Contains
Part I The Training Program Part II Sample
Railhead Operations Training Program Part III
Verification Program
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Part I The Training Program
Lessons
Lesson 1 - Introduction Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation
Requirements Lesson 3 - Loading and
Unloading Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The 4 Phases of Railhead Operations
Planning
Preparing
Concluding
Executing
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The 4 Phases of Railhead Operations
(1) Planning- Every unit has or rather SHOULD
have a unit movement plan (UMP). This will be
the foundation for your preparations to move your
unit via rail. Contained in a UMP are the
listings of TOE items necessary for movement,
information on the cubic space required for unit
material (other than rolling stock). Most of
this information will be needed by the Unit
Movement Officer (UMO). The types of rolling
stock and number of containers will dictate the
required support equipment necessary for
operations. Also necessary in the planning stage
is sustainment training of UMOs and Railhead
OICs/NCOICs as well as Train Commanders. A
continuous training program ensures historical
unit knowledge of railhead preparations. A
general risk assessment of the operation is done
for planning purposes.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The 4 Phases of Railhead Operations
(2) Preparing- This phase begins the moment your
commander receives the warning order. During the
planning phase, you reviewed your unit TOE and
have an understanding of any unique support items
necessary for rail movements, i.e. Material
Handling Equipment (forklifts) with qualified
operators, maintenance personnel, qualified
operators for all vehicles involved in the
movement, trained ground guides, combat life
savers/medics. The risk assessment initiated
during the Planning phase for unit rail load and
unload operations is reviewed and updated with
current, mission specific information. All
potential hazards are addressed and if possible
mitigated during the Preparing phase.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The 4 Phases of Railhead Operations
(3) Executing At this point, leaders at all
levels should execute the operation without
further guidance. Training, logistical requests,
support issues should have been reconciled well
prior to the actual operation.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The 4 Phases of Railhead Operations
(4) Concluding Operations As the famous
Baseball player, Yogi Berra once said, It aint
over till its over! The same goes for railhead
operations. Onward movement of the equipment
either by rail or by convoy requires a formal
hand off of the operation to other personnel.
The railhead site needs to be secured and
policed. The Lets-Get-Outta-Here bug is a
contagious virus that will ensure an 11th hour
failure of your operation. Conduct a closing
brief covering egress procedures from the
location, sensitive items check, police call
requirements, and the release of support
personnel from the mission.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The Rail Head (short and sweet) The train pulls
onto the loading spur, vehicles and or containers
are loaded onto the train, and the train departs.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction
The Rail Head Now lets take a closer look

• Unit Commander appoints a railhead OIC.
• The OIC and the UMO along with the unit supply,
  maintenance and safety personnel review unit
  movement plan.
• Risk assessments are initiated per local SOP for
  the time of year, time of day, and the type of
  mission.
• Coordination with BMCT is completed and any local
  facility requirements are coordinated.
• Key team leaders are identified and briefed on
  responsibilities for their mission.

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Lesson 1 - Introduction

• Now lets take a closer look (continued)
• Examples of teams are, Ground Guides, Blocking
  and Bracing, Vehicle Operators, Maintenance,
  Medical, Safety.
• The equipment is staged per local procedures and
  can only be moved after the railhead OIC has
  received clearance from the BMCT / civilian train
  personnel.
• Before any operations begin, the railhead
  commander must brief all personnel. Included in
  this briefing are safety precautions, emergency
  procedures for mishaps, fire and HAZMAT response
  procedures, vehicle breakdown procedures, and of
  course special administrative procedures.

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Lesson 1 - Introduction

• Now lets take a closer look (continued)
• Before the operation begins, all personnel will
  wear prescribed personal protective equipment. At
  a minimum, hard hat/kevlar helmet, reflective
  belt or vest, gloves, flashlights or chemical
  lights. Also, weather dependant items as
  necessary.
• The rail cars will need to be prepared. A multi
  person team (local SOP may prescribe between 8-12
  personnel) will lower the rail car sides (for
  side loading only) and crossover plates. All
  blocking and bracing material as well as spikes
  and nails must be removed. If present, all snow
  and ice must be removed.

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Lesson 1 - Introduction

• Now lets take a closer look (continued)
• When the order is given, rolling stock can be
  moved onto the rail cars. Each separate vehicle
  will have a ground guide, and all tracked
  vehicles will have two. For backing operations,
  two ground guides are required for all vehicles.
  From the point of entry onto the railhead
  location, until it finally comes to rest on the
  rail car, all rolling stock will be ground guided.

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Lesson 1 - Introduction

• Now lets take a closer look (continued)
• Once the vehicles are in place, they are blocked
  and braced, the Train commander takes command of
  the cargo and rolling stock, coordinates
  departure with the BMCT and the civilian train
  personnel, and briefs their personnel and awaits
  departure.
• The railhead OIC ensures all excess blocking and
  bracing material is returned to its proper place,
  and a thorough police call is performed after the
  train has departed.

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements
Lesson 2 Pre-Operations Requirements.

• Requirements for
• Unit Commanders
• Train Commanders
• Transportation Officer or Representative
• Railhead OIC/NCOIC
• Vehicle Operators
• And All Personnel

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements
Unit Commanders
Before beginning rail-loading operations,
will ensure Personnel conduct a risk
analysis of the railhead site considering common
risk factors. Soldiers are briefed and
instructed on safety standards and procedures.
The following safety equipment is available    
a. Reflective vests or belts.     b. Flashlights
or chemical lights.     c. Kevlar or
OSHA-approved hardhats.     d. Leather or work
gloves (not wool inserts).     e. Eye
protection.     f. Hearing protection. The
following supervisory personnel are available and
qualified     a. OIC.     b. NCOIC.     c.
Safety officer or NCO

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• Unit Commanders(Continued)
• Before beginning rail-loading
  operations, will ensure
• Trained ground guides are available.
• Medical support is available at loading and
  unloading sites and medical support personnel
  know the most direct route to medical facilities.
• Safety standards are monitored and enforced.
• Soldiers are shown the location of high
  voltage lines.
• Protection from cold or inclement weather (for
  example, warming tents) is provided.
• Ensure special requirements for HAZMAT
  transportation have been addressed
  (documentation, licensing, equipment).

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• Train Commanders. Train commanders will ensure
  the following requirements have been met before
  rail loading or unloading
• Military units and organization personnel have
  been--
•     a. Completed a pre-mission risk assessment.
• b. Briefed on regulatory requirements before
  each rail movement.
•     c. Made aware of unsafe conditions in the
  railhead area.
• d. Told to keep a safe distance from electric
  power lines and systems in the work area.
• Supervisors are aware that
•     a. When power lines are switched on
  temporarily for technical reasons--
•         (1) Operations must cease!
•     (2) The area must be cleared of
  personnel.
•         (3) Operations will not resume until the
  appropriate railway authority (for example,
  Deutsche Bahn AG in Germany) confirms that
  electricity has been shut off and grounded in the
  railhead area. (Note Electrified rail systems
  with overhead power lines and feeder lines
  installed beside rail tracks carry 15,000 volts
  or more.)
•     b. While supplies are moved, escorts may not
  ride in freight cars or vehicles loaded on
  railcars.

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• BMCT (Transportation Officer or
  Representative).
• The transportation officer or designated
  representative will
• Coordinate with the responsible railway
  official and confirm that electric overhead power
  lines have been shut off and grounded in the
  railhead work area. Under no circumstances will
  operations start until confirmation is received.
• Keep units informed of changing conditions.
• Enforce the rules of conduct for ensuring safe
  operations.
• Make soldiers aware of warning signs posted in
  the local work area and affixed to railway
  equipment. Equipment with steps or stepladders
  extending higher than 2 meters above the rail car
  surface will be avoided.

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• Railhead OIC/NCOIC will
• Coordinate with the responsible railway
  official and confirm that electric overhead power
  lines have been shut off and grounded in the
  railhead work area. Under no circumstances will
  operations start until confirmation is received.
• Confirm blocking/bracing and securing materials
  and tools are in good working condition and the
  necessary amount is present.
• Ensure railcars free of snow and ice.
• Ensure there is enough lighting at the loading
  and unloading railhead site.
• Ensure medical support is available and onsite
  before operations begin.
• Ensure drinking water and rations are available
  to all personnel on the railhead site.
• Keep units informed of changing conditions.
• Enforce the rules of conduct for ensuring safe
  operations.
• Ensure soldier support facilities are
  available. (warming tents, latrines, mess area)

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• All Personnel. All Personnel will
• Wear Kevlar helmets or OSHA-approved hardhats.
• Wear leather or work gloves when handling chains,
  wire ropes, blocking, tools, or any other form of
  bracing material.
• Be equipped with reflective vests or belts and
  flashlights/chemical lights during darkness.
• Not work or walk on top of unloaded vehicles
  without specific permission from the OIC or
  NCOIC. This will apply even when no overhead line
  is installed above the tracks. Only the OIC or
  NCOIC may declare an area safe from electrical
  hazards.
• Be informed that the local transportation
  representative in charge of rail uploading or
  downloading is the only person authorized to
  inform HN supervisors when railcars may be moved.
  The transportation representative will be the
  only person wearing a white armband.

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Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation Requirements

• Vehicle Operators. Vehicle operators will-
• Thoroughly clean equipment, remove all dirt and
  oil.
• Check fuel levels Vehicles ¾ full.
  Trailer mounted equipment ½ full.
• Remove and secure all sensitive/classified items.
• Reduce vehicle length, height and width by
  folding in mirrors, removing storage baskets,
  etc.
• Secure rotating parts to prevent from moving.
• Ensure all vehicles and trailers are equipped
  with serviceable tie down devices or shackles.
  Remove T Hooks from combat vehicles and replace
  with screw pin shackles.
• Protect radios, radio mounts and other electronic
  components on vehicles to prevent corrosion
  damage. Cover with plastic, secure or remove and
  containerize.
• Box and/or store on-vehicle equipment (OVE).
  When possible, ship with vehicle in locked OVE
  box.
• Do not cover headlights, reflectors, windshields
  or mirrors with tape. This does little to protect
  from damage and becomes a safety issue during
  loading and unloading operations.
• Remove whip antennas from vehicles before
  entering a rail-loading site. Antennas will not
  be remounted until vehicles are in the staging
  area away from electrical hazards.
• Before backing up in nontactical areas, drivers
  of all types of vehicles will sound their horn.
• Do not move a vehicle without a ground guide.

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading
Lesson 3 Loading and Unloading.

• Requirements for
• Unit Commanders
• Train Commanders
• Transportation Officer or Representative
• Railhead OIC/NCOIC
• Vehicle Operators
• And All Personnel

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading

• Unit Commanders.
• Commanders will ensure personnel working at the
  railhead are briefed
• Not to be on the same railcar as a moving
  vehicle. The only exception is when a second or
  third vehicle is being placed on a railcar
  capable of carrying two or three vehicles. The
  second and third vehicle will move forward only
  after the first vehicle has stopped completely.
• Not to jump off railcars.
• Not to walk between railcars.
• Not to ride in or climb on tanks, vehicles, and
  other equipment being transported by rail after
  the vehicles and equipment have been locked.
• Not to enter equipment during stops.
• Overhead power lines and feeder lines installed
  along side rail tracks carry 15,000 volts.
• Utmost caution is mandatory during loading and
  unloading!

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading

• Unit Commanders.
• Commanders will ensure personnel working at the
  railhead are briefed
• They are endangering their lives when they come
  in contact with
• Live power lines.
• Power lines shut off but not grounded.
• A person who has been electrocuted while he /she
  is still in contact with the live power line that
  has not been grounded.
• Not to work or walk on rail loaded vehicles
  without specific permission from the railhead
  OIC/NCOIC.
• That the local BMCT transportation representative
  in charge of the rail loading and unloading is
  the only person authorized to inform the HN rail
  supervisor when railcars may be moved.

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading

• Railhead OIC or NCOIC.
• The OIC or NCOIC will ensure
• Support legs are lowered and tailgates and side
  braces are removed (if necessary) before loading
  or unloading operations begin.
• Medical support is available during loading and
  unloading operations.
• The BMCT or the railway representative has been
  contacted to ensure that the electricity in
  overhead power lines has been shut off, and lines
  have been grounded in the railhead area.
• Trash is cleared from the area before the train
  leaves.
• Railcars are inspected before loading to ensure
  ice, snow, and dunnage are removed.
• Train Commanders.
• Train commanders will lock tracked vehicles and
  control the keys.
• HN Railroad Wagonmasters.
• HN wagonmasters must check equipment with
  traveling tubes or booms and ensure it is
  properly tied down.

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading

• Ground Guides.
• Ground guides will
• Coordinate signals with drivers before ground
  guide operations (with flashlights after dark).
  The signals to control vehicle drivers shown in
  FM 21-60 will be used.
• Be seen by the driver at all times. If the
  driver loses sight of a ground guide, he or she
  will stop the vehicle immediately.
• Ensure only one ground guide will provide
  signals to a driver.
• Ensure that they will not walk or run backward.
  If ground guides are observed walking or running
  backwards, the vehicle operator will stop and
  make an on-the-spot correction.
• Ensure that they will not stand on the same rail
  car as the vehicle being guided.
• Be equipped with reflective vest and flashlights
  or chemical lights.
• Not place themselves in a dangerous position
  between two vehicles.

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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading
Ground Guides. CAUTION Ground guides will not
position themselves between the vehicle being
guided and another object where an inadvertent
engine surge or momentary loss of vehicle control
could cause injury or death. Drivers of vehicles
will stop their vehicles immediately if they lose
sight of a ground guide or note that the guide is
dangerously positioned between the vehicle and
another object. Drivers of vehicles in such cases
will secure their vehicle, dismount, and make an
on-the-spot correction before continuing
operations.
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Lesson 3 - Loading and Unloading

• Vehicles.
• Will arrive at the railhead before the scheduled
  loading time and be staged in the order they will
  be loaded.
• Will have the nonstandard objects and equipment
  not part of the vehicles TOE configuration
  removed before loading.
• Will have antennas removed from the vehicles
  before moving to the railcar. Antennas will not
  be re-installed until after unloading is
  complete.
• Vehicles will be secured by chock blocks and
  bracing that locks the sides.
• Commanders must ensure
• Vehicles are properly secured.
• Gun barrels are locked and secured (confirmed by
  the OIC in the consignment note).
• Railcars are returned well swept (after
  unloading) and nails and wire remnants are
  removed completely.

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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
The Risk Management Process
The Risk Management process starts when you the
leader, the NCO or the soldier joins the unit.
As you begin to understand the unit, its
equipment, and its personnel, you begin to see
hazards and participate in the mitigation
process. Conducting a risk assessment for rail
operations is just a continuation of this
process. As in other unit operations, key
leaders and soldiers need to be a part of the
risk assessment process. During the Planning
phase, all unit personnel should plan, rehearse
and critique their personal, section and unit
movement actions.
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
Through this process, the Unit Movement Plan, the
Risk Assessment and unit personnel can be fine
tuned. In the following slides, generic
hazards and solutions will be presented. Use
them as a starting point for your own Risk
Assessment. It is only through your war gaming
of the Risk Assessment, during the planning
phase, that will give you a useful product during
the Preparation and Execution phases. Again,
the following list is just a starting point!
You will need to expand the risk assessment to
meet the functional requirements of your
particular operation.
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Part II Sample Railhead Operations Training
Program
Railhead Operations Training Program

• Classroom
• Site visit (Railhead-vehicles,
  Railhead-containers, Staging Area)
• ROC Drill
• Testing

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Part II Sample Railhead Operations Training
Program
Classroom Training
Utilizing the previous training material, tailor
the classroom lesson plan to address your
particular needs and unique situations. Ensure
each member of your unit is aware of not only
their responsibility, but that of other section
responsibilities as well. In so doing, mission
success is not reliant upon one specific person.
Lesson 1 - Introduction Lesson 2 - Pre-Operation
Requirements Lesson 3 - Loading and
Unloading Lesson 4 - Rail Risk Assessments
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Part II Sample Railhead Operations Training
Program
Site visit (Railhead-vehicles,
Railhead-containers, Staging Area)
After completion of the classroom portion of
training. The soldier needs to terrain walk the
areas discussed in previous sections. In each
area, hazard points need to be discussed and
dangerous situations explained. Book solutions
need to be war gamed on location to assist in
developing associated thinking for unplanned
occurrences during actual operations.
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Part II Sample Railhead Operations Training
Program
The ROC Drill
The Rehearsal Of Concept Drill is a key part of
war gaming. Everything from a toy train set to
a parking lot with painted railcar outlines can
be used. Using the crawl-walk-run method of
training, the unit can experience the big picture
as it unfolds. Ensuring that every Key leader,
down to the first line leader, understands the
mission, is key to a safe and successful rail
operation.
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Part II Sample Railhead Operations Training
Program
Testing

• An evaluation should consist of three parts
• a written exam (Individual)
• a risk assessment of a rail loading situation
  (small group)
• a sand table ROC Drill. (Entire Class)

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Part III Verification Program
The local BSB Commanders are responsible for
verifying that safe operations are being
conducted on their installations and facilities.
Ensuring Units are following local procedures,
exercising due care and caution with the movement
of equipment, and preventing misuse and abuse of
facilities guaranties resources are available for
the next unit.
Verification Program
The concept for the Verification Program for
Railhead Operations lies with the one of the five
basic principals of the Risk Management Process
Supervise Evaluate.
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Part III Verification Program
Verification Program

• Verification is much more than simply checking
  the box. Units must include the local BSB safety
  office in the Planning and Preparing stages of
  all Unit Movement Plans.
• The local BSB must have an established SOP for
  each railhead within their area of
  responsibility.
• Once the unit has coordinated with the BSB safety
  office, they are responsible for complying with
  all applicable requirements for the facility to
  be used.
• The BSB safety office will then verify unit
  compliance with standards during all operations.

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Part III Verification Program
 
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Part III Verification Program
 
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Conclusion
Being prepared is the cornerstone to success in
all things we do.
 
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For Further Information
Contact your Local BSB/ASG Safety Office Or Your
Divisional Safety Office Or The US Army Europe
Safety Office Please visit our website at
http//www.per.hqusareur.army.mil/services/safetyd
ivision/main.htm